Dawid Malan has been called up as cover for the injured batsman.

Ahead of the first ODI against India at Trent Bridge on Thursday (July 12), England suffered a major injury blow as swashbuckling batsman Alex Hales got ruled out of the match with a side strain. He picked up the injury during the practice session.

Hales’ participation in the remaining two ODIs is also in jeopardy and his injury will be assessed on a game by game basis. Meanwhile, Middlesex opener Dawid Malan has been called up as cover for Hales.

Alex Hales has injured his side and is ruled out of first ODI at Trent Bridge today. David Malan called up as cover. The injury to Hales will be assessed on a game by game basis. #ENGvIND

Hales has been the driving force behind England’s thumping 5-0 ODI series win over Australia last month. He has scored a blistering 147 off 92 balls (16 fours and 5 sixes) as England posted a massive record-breaking total of 481 in 50 overs against Australia in the third ODI at Trent Bridge.

Moreover, Hales has played a measured knock of 58 not out to guide England home in the second T20I against India at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff last week. Set 149 to win, England needed 12 off the final over and Hales smacked Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a huge six off the first ball and followed it up with a boundary to seal the deal for England.

The second ODI between England will be played at Lord’s on Saturday (July) while Leeds will host the third and final tie on Tuesday (July 17).